About CSS

The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) is an informed, independent, and unwavering voice for positive action on behalf of more than 3 million low-income New Yorkers. CSS draws on a 170-year history of excellence in addressing the root causes of economic disparity through research, advocacy, litigation, and innovative program models that strengthen and benefit all New Yorkers.

We believe that work should be a path out of poverty, but the fact is that far too many hard-working New Yorkers are coming up short. The Community Service Society advances pragmatic, practical solutions that strengthen and benefit our city and create opportunity and prosperity for all New Yorkers.

Year after year, representatives of every income level in New York City tell us that they support aggressive measures to help hard-working New Yorkers get ahead. Our Urban Agenda is a three-point action plan that creates opportunity, secures families, and strengthens New York.

Through hard-hitting research, innovative service models, and a willingness to work with partners in the public and private spheres and across the political spectrum, CSS is helping to build a stronger, more equitable New York.

The Community Service Society of New York was formed in 1939 by the merger of two venerable social service agencies: The New York Association for the Improvement of the Condition of the Poor (founded in 1843) and the Charity Organization Society (founded in 1882).